Factory restored, how update service packs

I just did a factory restore (from the "healthy partition" inside hard drive) and as I was logging off it said I had 177 updates so I left it alone. This morning it said it was unable to install correctly and reverted back. So, I have 177 updates waiting to be installed, but I wonder if I would be better off doing them in groups, assuming that later ones are building on the earlier ones... and all at once might not work. Is that correct? What do you suggest to bring the system up to date?

After it is up to date, I'd like to create a backup of the whole, newly updated system, in case I need to restore again some time in the future. A new one would include all the programs I have downloaded and settings etc. Is that possible? I have a large external hard drive to put it on, but how do I do that?

I do not know which are earliest or latest. There is no date attached to the updates. How can I pick the early ones, preferably as a whole group, install and then do the next?

Is it pretty certain that the older ones are at the top. It makes sense, but just wanted to be as sure as possible... another restore would really suck. And how many at a time, 5 10 ... 20? And thank, BTW.

I just did a Repair Install to SP1 and it still required many dozens of updates like yours. IMO the best approach is to simply click OK and let MS/Windows do its thing. In any case it's going to require a bunch of reboots IME.

Maxseven- It tried to do it on its own and couldn't. The only list I have is from the Windows Update program... I tried to find the Service pack one online and just do it first, but I can't find it and I'm not certain that is the best route. So, if there is a link to get the updates in good groups, great. Otherwise... should I continue/start downloading/installing my list off 177?

Perfect. Thanks... see ya in a few hours. Oh, do I need to shut down and start after each 10?